TIPTOE by Julie Guillem
Can you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Julie. I grew up in La Rochelle and studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. I also lived in Vienna for two years before returning to live and work as an illustrator in Paris.
How would you define your creative world?
My world is rather colorful and poetic. Travel and elsewhere are themes that are very present in my work—a pretext for exploring different color palettes, compositions and subjects, whether through landscapes or architecture.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I mainly draw inspiration from what surrounds me—what I listen to or watch, through radio, films, books or exhibitions. I also take lots of photos of details, colors and atmospheres, which I use later in my illustrations.
Why did you decide to depict these TIPTOE objects?
I depicted these objects because I really like them; their form is very pared-back and works quite well with my world. I especially loved the colors from the collaboration with the Heju architecture duo, which inspired the palette for the illustrations.
What is your vision of TIPTOE?
For me, TIPTOE is about objects that adapt and evolve along with our interiors. A fairly simple idea, with highly effective design and a genuine commitment to using sustainable materials.
Any creative recommendations?
I recently bought the book “Vertigo of Color, Matisse, Derain,” which brings together paintings, drawings and watercolors by the two painters. The colors are incredible—I highly recommend it.
A place where you feel good?
I’d say Paris—it has become my adopted city. I love walking and crossing the city; there are always streets, squares and buildings for me to discover. And the pink sky still amazes me just as much. While creating these illustrations, I thought back to the plum tree that stood in front of my room in La Rochelle. Its little pink and white blossoms would fill the blue sky and announce the arrival of spring.